Closing In!
Do your political homework this week and next. We’ve got serious choices to make at the polls about Candidates and Amendments.
Heads Up!
SD Primary Election is June 7, 2022 — 18 days from today.
Voter Registration Deadline for the Primary is May 23, 2022 — THIS MONDAY.
Gov or Gov?
This past Tuesday people gathered to hear Governor Kristi Noem speak. At a previous "Chit Chat" event, we heard from gubernatorial candidate Steve Haugaard. We appreciate these candidates taking the time to explain their views of SD government to the community served by Patriot Ripple Effect so we can make informed decisions at the polls.
The first point of wisdom is to discern that which is false; the second, to know that which is true. — Lucius Caecilius Firmianus Lactantius (c.250–c.325)
Firewall — Amendment C
We’ve seen Amendment C promoted or slammed, depending on who’s talking or writing about it. In simplest terms, Amendment C is a firewall protecting residents of South Dakota from being in effect ruled by, and have taxes raised by, organizations based outside of South Dakota. The measure on the June 2022 primary ballot would require 60% voter approval for future ballot measures that would increase taxes or require the state to appropriate more than $10 million. It would not prevent voters from choosing to be taxed at a higher rate. If voters approve Amendment C, it would mean that Amendment D would have to be approved by at least 60% of voters in order to pass.
A detailed analysis of Amendments C and D is presented in the Dakota Leader. (Tip: scroll down past the landing page.)
Amendment D is a ballot measure to expand Medicaid in South Dakota. It is promoted by the South Dakota State Medical Association and the large health systems in South Dakota, among other beneficiaries of Federal largesse. Rather than using some of their breathtaking profits to provide pro bono care to people who can’t afford their inflated costs, these mega health systems want to invite even more Federal interference and control into our local health care decisions. For their profit, not yours.
Expanded CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) involvement in the state expands Federal control over life and death medical decisions at your local clinic or hospital. It provides a financial motivation for health care corporations to accept Federal dictates without question. In the past 2-1/2 years, we have seen how it has been used to manipulate and overrule state policies.
The jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake; since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of Republican Government. — George Washington